The company said it expects that next year net sales of solar power systems to comprise 75%-80% of total net sales. Third-party module sales would account for the remainder.

The table below shows First Solar's 2018 projections.

in USD, unless otherwise noted

2018 GAAP Guidance

Net sales

2.3bn-2.5bn

Gross margin (%)

22-23

Operating expenses

400m-410m

Operating income

110m-170m

Earnings per share (EPS)

1.25-1.75

Net cash balance

1.6bn-1.8bn

Operating cash flow

100m-200m

Capital expenditures

650m-750m

Shipments (GW)

2.7-2.8

First Solar noted that its EPS guidance takes into consideration production ramp costs of about USD 60 million and production start-up expenses of around USD 110 million, relating to the deployment of Series 6 capacity in 2018. Furthermore, the range includes projected restructuring related charges of some USD 10 million.